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Investments

We (the LWML Board of Directors and district presidents) have just returned from a week in St. Louis. With the restructure at the national level having been approved at the Mobile convention, the district presidents gathered together for the historic first meeting of the LWML Presidents Assembly. Business was conducted, training sessions were held, and discussion panels allowed the presidents to share ideas and concerns as they serve the Lord in their districts. These servant-leaders invested this time so they can be better equipped and informed to inspire their members.

When you think of investments, what comes to mind? The dictionary defines the word “investment” as “contributing money to make money.” But it also defines it as “giving power or authority.” I devote (invest) a large part of my day in LWML. This volunteer position gives me much pleasure, and I look forward to serving the Lord each day in this capacity. I must be reminded, however, to invest in a diversified portfolio. Ha! Don’t I sound like the financial guru? But every financial consultant will advise managing risk through diversification.

I find myself pondering how diversification works in service to God. I believe we must invest in our personal relationship with our Savior first. We must devote time to prayer and Bible study. I believe we must devote time to our families, to our church, and to our community. Sometimes it’s overwhelming trying to do it all — and then I remember I don’t need to. I just give it to God!

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Join me in prioritizing our spiritual investments. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). 

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

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Preparations

In my very first blog I shared with you the writings of Jan Schmidt, a sister-in-Christ from my home congregation. She is a gifted writer, and I share some of her thoughts with you today integrated with my own.

Prepare. This word has been on my mind and heart a lot as the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) has been preparing for this week’s Interdepartmental Meeting in St. Louis. All LWML national committee members come together to plan for this biennium (please keep us in prayer). Much time has been spent preparing, many prayers have ascended seeking our Lord’s guidance, and I would say thousands of emails have been sent back and forth. We want to be prepared.

Much of our time, yours and mine, is spent in preparation. We prepare meals every day. We prepare our bodies for the day, showering and dressing for the weather. We prepare for company and vacations. We prepare for going to bed. We prepare for retirement. We may even prepare to die.

Preparation is important for a better future. The probability of things going smoothly are greatly increased by good preparation. Does God want us to prepare for future events? Yes, I believe He does. Let’s look at the very beginning: Only six chapters into the book of Genesis, the earth is filling with people. Already things are not going well. … all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth (Genesis 6:12b). God could have just destroyed the whole earth, but that was not God’s plan. Our God’s heart is that of a Redeemer. He prepared a way for Noah and his family to survive the cleansing flood. Not only did God save Noah, but God designed the ark for the salvation of animals, birds, and every creeping thing of the ground. It was a good plan. But it involved a lot of preparation and trust on the part of Noah.

The LWML BOD is prepared to guide the various committees through the planning process so that they will feel prepared to step out in faith, trusting that God will lead them to develop programs and resources that can be used to share Jesus with our families, community, and the world.

As you engage in various preparations today, take some time to thank God for His work of preparation in your life. As you look back, can you see how He has prepared you for certain experiences? You and I are almost certainly unaware of how He is today preparing us for what tomorrow will bring. But we can be sure He is doing just that. We may not have to build an ark, but we are engaged in the work of preparing hearts to be ready for Jesus’ coming again. And that is good work in which to be engaged. Prepare. He is coming!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,
Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Waves, Water, and the Wonder of the Word

Today, I travel to St. Louis in preparation for this week’s meetings with the LWML Board of Directors. For the last 10 days, I’ve been in Minnesota at my husband’s childhood lake home. I spent much time working and preparing for this upcoming meeting but I was blessed to spend it looking out at a beautiful, clear, Minnesota lake. I listened to the waves hit the shore, smelled the fresh breeze, and felt the peace of God that is so evident in nature.

I’ve read analogies of Christianity and waves. Like waves wash the sand from my feet, I know my sins are washed away by the sacrifice of my Savior. Or I think of my sins as crashing waves causing me to sink into the depths and I find comfort in knowing my Lifeboat. As I looked out at the lake, I saw the sun’s reflections, like diamonds dancing across the surface of the water and I thought of Jesus speaking to the woman at the well in John, chapter 4. What Jesus offered to her, He offers to us — “living water”. 

It’s been a challenging month as I’ve navigated the transitions of my last position and my new position in LWML. Scott and I have traveled (over 8,000 miles) back and forth to family, and I have traveled to the LCMS Convention in Tampa, Florida, and to St. Louis, Missouri. There have been waves, at times overwhelming waves, and yet God has kept us safe in His arms through every mile. Each day I find my Lord speaks to me through His Word. Each day I gratefully receive His “living water” and thank Him for the joy I experience in service to Him in LWML. Yup, sometimes I see the waves as a challenge and sometimes I see them as a cleansing of the soul as the Holy Spirit guides me.

A large part of my faith journey has taken place alongside the women and men of LWML. This organization can play a vital part in your life as well. Come, ride the waves with me and look for where God will use you and your unique gifts to serve, learn, and belong. 

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie